Back in 1996, I read the book before watching the movie and loved it too. Book, movie and actor – 3 fantastic things combined. Like the flavors in these bars.
The book would be the cookie base and the movie, the jam layer; getting face to face with Ralph Fiennes would be an amazing topping. Too bad that won’t happen – I’ll have to go with coconut instead. :)

I have made this recipe twice already – once in an 18x28cm pan, which resulted in bars with thinner layers (especially the cookie base). And the ones you see on the photos were made in a 20cm square pan - I just baked it for a tad longer to make sure it was cooked through.

Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF; line a 20x30cm (8x12in) slice pan* with non-stick baking paper.

Process the butter, sugar, flour and baking powder in a food processor until combined - I used my Kitchen Aid with the paddle attachment.
Add the egg yolk and continue to process until the mixture forms a soft dough. Press into the prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the base is golden brown. Allow to cool then spread with the jam.
To make the topping, combine the sugar, egg and coconut. Sprinkle over the jam. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden. Cool in the pan. Cut into slices.

* I used regular pans, both times – no removable bottom. I just left a bit of paper hanging out of the pan to work as “handles” – this way, it was easier to remove the cookie from the pan and slice it into bars.

Makes 24 slices – I got 16 larger slices from the 18x28cm pan and 9 large slices from the 20cm square pan.

I've never seen The English Patient, I've never made this type of cookie but Patricia, you're making me wish I had the DVD and a pan of these cookies right now! And that Friends episode was one of my favorites! :)

I've longed dreamed of finding a way to place my favorite actors atop my favorite pastries :) So I totally understand where you are coming from :) Sigh...we can dream can't we? And while we do these delicious jam slices will keep us satisfied!

Patricia - I LOVE the English Patient - it is one of my ALL time favorite movies. Isn't it sublime? The scene when he arrives to carry her back out of the cave - just breaks my heart. Such a wonderful movie.

And these bars - oh my - they look just as sublime. I think I need to make these bars, break out my copy of this movie and have myself a day!

The New Zealand version of this is called Louise Cake, one of the most common day treats in NZ. The topping is meringue with coconut- delicious. http://recipefinder.msn.co.nz/recipes/taste/765872/louise-cake